SIOUX CITY, Iowa – The Concordia University volleyball team is ready for the schedule to show some forgiveness. On Saturday afternoon, the Bulldogs fell while up against their sixth nationally-ranked opponent in a row. Host Morningside dealt Concordia a 25-18, 25-18, 25-19, loss in a match contested in Sioux City, Iowa.
The record might not show it, but the Bulldogs have displayed growth over a week laced with land mines. Concordia dropped a match on Friday at No. 6 Dordt prior to Saturday’s tilt. Sixth-year head coach Scott Mattera’s squad now stands at 5-11 overall (0-6 GPAC).
“We played another great team who played great against us,” Mattera said. “We weren't bad but we weren't consistent enough to beat a team like that. It was one of those matches in which there wasn't one thing to point to. Literally everyone had some great moments and literally everyone had some head scratchers. We are staying the course. Anyone who has seen us knows how close we are to breaking through.”
The Mustangs (12-7, 4-2 GPAC) are riding a five-match win streak. Krista Zenk led all players with 12 kills on the strength of a .370 hitting percentage. As a team, Morningside outhit the Bulldogs, .252 to .159. After the Mustangs hit .417 in the opening set, Concordia held them to percentages of .190 and .162 in the second and third sets, respectively.
Once again, the Bulldogs were led by the eight kills of sophomore Alex La Plant. In the back row, senior Jocelyn Garcia (17 digs) and freshman Marissa Hoerman (19 digs). Up front, Emmie Noyd slammed five kills on 12 swings. Freshman Tara Callahan tossed up 23 assists. The Bulldogs out-blocked Morningside, 5-2.
GPAC play will continue on Wednesday (Sept. 27) with a trip to College of Saint Mary (7-7, 0-4 GPAC) for a 7 p.m. CT first serve. Both sides will be in search of their first conference victory.